Small but mighty

The busy start-up years: Emil Richterich founded Richterich & Co, a small confectionery shop, to produce bonbons in his hometown, Laufen.

The invention of the original: The breakthrough came in 1940 with the invention of the 13-herb blend. The original Ricola herbal sweet with its distinctive cube shape was born.

A mighty brand was created: There were two confectioners called "Richterich" in Laufen. So, Emil Richterich created a new name for his company: Ricola. Ri for Richterich, Co for company and La for Laufen.

Becoming international: Ricola began exporting its bonbons to Germany. Ricola’s success was overwhelming: 1 million bonbons sold in the first year.

Thinking global: As Ricola continued to expand, a new production facility was built in Laufen. Ricola began exporting its bonbons to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the USA.

The beginning of decades-long partnerships: Ricola decided to cooperate closely with Swiss mountain farmers, thus ushering in the era of systematic herb cultivation in Switzerland.

The world started to sing "Riiicooolaaa!": The first TV adverts featuring the Ricola yodel were broadcast in Switzerland and Germany in 1993.

A new model of sustainability: Our Herb Centre was opened in 2014. The walls of the building were built with loam from the Laufental valley.

An updated look: Inspired by nature, the renewed brand logo and packaging showcases an Alpine panorama and highlights our sweets with an inner glow.

We became a B Corp: We constantly rethink our corporate responsibility, pivoting both the brand and the company towards sustainable growth and transformation.